Gay history: to teach or not to teach? And does it make a difference?

Should California’s next textbooks be re-written to reflect the contributions and role of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans to society? That’s the aim of a new bill (SB 48) Senator Mark Leno is proposing in an attempt to combat harassment of gays by their classmates. Proponents of the bill, including some religious leaders and the California Teachers Association, say it’s long overdue; opponents, including some already vocal parents and some religious leaders, say it’s legislating morality. Does shifting pedagogy shift students’ opinions?